The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has apologised to the families and victims of the accidental air strikes that occurred on January 24, 2023, near Rukubi in Doma local government area of Nasarawa State.
At a meeting during the weekend, he told the families in Lafia that, having reviewed the incident reports concerning the air strikes that were undertaken in January 2023 to check terrorists near Rukubi, innocent civilians may have erroneously been killed or injured in the process.
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In a statement issued by the director of public relations and information, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar regretted the incident, adding that the unfortunate incident was not deliberate but had targeted suspected terrorists and cattle rustlers in view of the heightened level of insecurity in the area at the time.
He stated that the primary responsibility of the NAF remains safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerians and that it would therefore not deliberately engage in acts that put the lives of Nigerians at risk.
Abubakar told the families and victims that the interface reflects the NAF’s commitment to conflict resolution and reconciliation and is a step towards addressing grievances, fostering understanding, and rebuilding trust between the NAF and the civilian population.
Recall that the NAF aircraft conducted airstrikes on January 20, 2023, after intelligence revealed the sighting of suspected terrorists on 10 motorcycles transiting through Utagudu, near Rukubi in Doma LGA.
The location was known for the heightened insecurity occasioned by killings, kidnappings, and terrorism perpetrated by terrorists’ elements in the state.
The statement said, “Within the period, six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in Doma LGA. Unfortunately, the strikes accidentally killed some innocent civilians at the location, which necessitated the visit of the CAS to Nasarawa State.”.
The air chief earlier met with the governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, where he solicited support in interfacing with the representatives of the victims, which, according to him, will assist in answering some important questions, promote accountability and transparency, and allow the NAF to learn valuable lessons to mitigate similar incidences going forward.
“Our efforts to mitigate civilian casualties as well as take responsibility in the event of accidental strikes are not just a reflection of our values as a service but also strategically imperative to our operations,” he said.
In response, Governor Sule commended the CAS for revisiting the earlier report of the incident and for his efforts at making amends.
“This is the first time a military organisation is owing up to mistakes committed over a year ago, and I must commend you immensely. The fact that you have come personally and want closure on this matter is the peak of professionalism worthy of emulation and commendation,” he said.
The emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammed, said, “That you have come here to meet with us and accept responsibility for what happened a year ago is exemplary and something our leaders must imbibe. We have wholeheartedly accepted your apology.”